One of the questions we get asked the most is “how big is a skip?”, followed by “what size skip will I need?” These are two great questions, and it’s really important you get the answer right, to save money and ensure your building or garden project leaves you with no spare waste! Here’s our quick guide to the different UK skip sizes, and how to choose the right one for your project.
What size skips are there?
For historic reasons, in the UK skips are measured in yards, reflecting their cubic capacity. For example, a small “4 yard” skip is around 6 x 4 x 3 feet, and has a volume of approximately 4 cubic yards, or 3 cubic metres. That’s the equivalent of 25-30 bin bags, or around 18 wheelbarrow loads. The exact dimensions of an individual skip may vary, but the volume will be as stated. For smaller projects, builder’s bags make a great option.
At the other end of the scale, the largest skip, the “50 yard roll on roll off” (50 cubic yard capacity) is around ten feet high and 21 feet long, and holds up to 15 tonnes of waste, or approximately 480 bin bags. These are usually found on large construction sites, or where businesses need a long-term waste management solution.
In between these two extremes, there are lots of other sizes too!
The different skip sizes available in the UK
4-yard skip
Ideal for small house clear-outs, garden clearance, or small DIY jobs
- Approx 25-30 Bin Bags, or 18 wheelbarrows
- Capacity: 4 Yrds³ / 3.0m³
- Height: 3’28” / 1.0 Metres
- Length: 8’24″ / 2.51 Metres
- Width: 5’33″ / 1.62 Metres
6-yard skip
Ideal for building & construction waste, large house & garden clearance, or heavy bulky materials.
- Approx 60-65 Bin Bags or 27 wheelbarrow loads.
- Capacity: 6 Yrds³ / 4.6m³
- Height: 3’58” / 1.09 Metres
- Length: 10’ / 3.05 Metres
- Width: 5’49″ / 1.67 Metres
8-yard skip
Ideal for large building projects, large garden clearances, or large bulky materials.
- Approx 60 -80 Bin Bags or 36 wheelbarrows.
- Capacity: 8 Yrds³ / 6.4m³
- Height: 4’10” / 1.25 Metres
- Length: 11’16″ / 3.40 Metres
- Width: 5’49” / 1.67 Metres
10-yard skip
Ideal for Industrial/commercial waste, whole house clearances, large bulky items. These larger skips are unsuited for using wheelbarrows.
- Approx 80 -100 bin bags.
- Capacity: 10 Yrds³ / 7.65m³
- Height: 5’33” / 1.62 Metres
- Length: 11’24″ / 3.42 Metres
- Width: 5’75″ / 1.75 Metres
20-yard roll on roll off skip
Ideal for the construction industry with large amounts of building waste and debris, including timber, metal, and rubble.
- Max 15 tonnes
- Approx 200 bin bags
- Capacity: 20 Yrds³ / 15.3m³
- Height: 6’28” / 1.91 Metres
- Length: 20’16” / 6.14 Metres
- Width: 8’36” / 2.55 Metres
25-yard roll on roll off skip
Ideal for construction industry with large amounts of building waste including timber, metal, and rubble.
- Max 15 tonne
- Approx 275 bin bags
- Capacity: 25 Yrds³ / 19.13m³
- Height: 6’28” / 1.91 Metres
- Length: 20’99” / 6.4 Metres
- Width: 8’36” / 2.55 Metres
40-yard roll on roll off skip
Ideal for large amounts of mixed waste, metal, or bulky materials. Can be used in commercial or domestic settings.
- Max 15 tonnes
- Approx 400 bin bags
- Capacity: 40 Yrds³ / 30.6m³
- Height: 8’82” / 2.69 Metres
- Length: 20’16” / 6.14 Metres
- Width: 8’36” / 2.55 Metres
50-yard roll on roll off skip
This is the largest skip and is ideal for large amounts of mixed waste, metal, or bulky materials. Can be used in commercial or domestic settings
- Max 15 tonne
- Approx 480 bin bags
- Capacity: 50 Yrds³ / 38.22m³
- Height: 9’80” / 2.99 Metres
- Length: 20’99” / 6.40 Metres
- Width: 8’36” / 2.55 Metres
How to choose the right skip for your needs
It is never easy to know exactly how much waste a project will produce. In our experience, we very rarely see a skip being returned with too little waste in it! If in doubt, it’s always best to go one size up, you will invariably find something to put in it.
There are a few other things to consider as well.
Location size: You need to ensure that the chosen location for the skip is large enough, and has good access for the lorry to deliver and remove it.
Usage: If you are planning to use the skip for a gardening project, we don’t recommend skips larger than 8 yards, if you plan to put the waste in via a wheelbarrow. The physical size is too large. For larger projects, the roll on roll off skips have a maximum weight capacity of 15 tonnes, so very heavy waste may require multiple smaller skips.
Licence: And remember, if you plan to locate the skip on a public right of way, we will need to apply for a skip licence on your behalf.
How to book your skip
Once you have decided what size skip you need, booking one is easy. Get in touch and let us know where and when you need it, and we will do the rest! If you need any help deciding on size, please give us a ring on Trowbridge 01225 753333 or Warminster 01985 213348. We have a wealth of experience and are only too glad to help.
